workbench – Felix's Gaming Pages

Constructing the Whirlwind Missile Tank

I did go out and order the new Warhammer: The Horus Heresy – Whirlwind Missile Tank.

The Whirlwind Missile Tank is a certified Legiones Astartes classic, seamlessly marrying the rugged dependability of the venerable Rhino chassis with an automated multiple-missile launcher system. Designed to provide devastating fire support from behind cover, it rains down apocalyptic storms of explosive warheads onto entrenched enemy positions without ever needing direct line of sight. This terrifying artillery piece owes its deadly precision to a suite of sophisticated range-finding and targeting auspexes integrated directly into the launch assembly.

This new model reflects the original conversion from 1989. The original Whirlwind was a conversion using a slottabase and plasticard for the rocket launcher. I have always preferred the original conversion to the newer versions, so it should be no surprise that I ordered one.

In addition I have some doors for it already as well. On a recent visit to Warhammer World I picked up some Forge World Imperial Fists Rhino Doors. I’ve always liked the Forge World doors and have used them on some of my models such as this Land Raider.

This model follows a similar construction process to the standard Deimos Pattern Rhino.

In the box is an additional sprue which as well as the parts for the missile launcher, has a new top superstructure and a new front which is based on the original Whirlwind.

I have left the tracks off and will be painting those separately.

I washed the Forge World resin doors to remove the mould lubricant.

They were then stuck to the sides of the Whirlwind.

I now need to construct the weapon system.

Preparing the Snotling Pump Wagon

The original Snotling Pump Wagon released back in the day is probably my favourite Citadel model of all time. What I liked about it most was the humour behind the model, you got the idea that the designer was down the pub when the idea came up. I did originally consider the new model a “monstrosity” but when making a recent order, I added one to my basket.

The Snotling Pump Wagon is a terrifyingly erratic contraption, consisting of little more than a ramshackle wooden hut precariously balanced on crude wheels. This rickety war engine is propelled forward solely by the frantic, sweat-drenched pumping of dozens of hyperactive Snotlings hidden within its frame. Careening wildly across the battlefield with zero steering and infinite momentum, it acts as a crude rolling fortress, crushing, flattening, and piercing any unfortunate foes who fail to scramble out of the way of its spiked rollers and wooden chassis.

This is a metal model and in the box are numerous metal parts, a base, and instructions.

The first stage was to clean the metal castings. After cleaning the snotlings, I stuck two onto coins for painting, the rest of used wooden clothes pegs. These will be painted separately and then stuck to the finished Pump Wagon model.

Originally I was going to fully construct the pump wagon, however as I cleaned the castings I realised that if it was all stuck together it might be challenging to paint. So, I did stick the blades to the main wheels. I added the guard and rear wheel to the core of the wagon. The mast I left off.

I gave all the models an undercoat of Wraithbone.

Then onto painting.

Undercoating the Empire of Man Witch Hunter

I was placing an order with Games Workshop and looking for something to add to ensure I could get free delivery. I found the online only Empire of Man Witch Hunter which I thought for £9 was cheap for Games Workshop.

This kit contains 3 metal components. I have to say I wasn’t clear if the two weapons had to be attached to the model, or if it was a choice. Looking over the web page on the Warhammer site, that didn’t really help. Searching Google also didn’t bring much to the situation. In the end I decided it was a choice and I constructed the model with the smaller sword and pistol rather than the great sword.

I landscaped the base of the model with some Citadel Sand.

I primed the model with Wraithbone spray.

Now onto the painting of the model.

Constructing and priming the Carnosaur

I have always liked the Saurus Oldblood on Carnosaur model for the Seraphone army for Age of Sigmar. I thought it had potential for a mount for either my Feral Ork army, or for my Old World Orcs and Goblins force. Another idea was for a mount for my Warhammer 40k Tallarn forces.

The list price of the Saurus Oldblood on Carnosaur model is £58, so I did consider that this was a little on the high side for a conversion. However as one of the releases of Hachett’s part works, you could get the two sprues of the model across two weeks for £9.99 per issue. What I did check out though was that you can get away with buying only one spruce, the one with issue #20. That sprue allows you to build the Carnosaur model. The second sprue provides the parts for the different riders and the parts needed for the Troglodon version of the kit. So, I picked up two issues of #20 as I only wanted the Carnosaur model.

The model has quite a few parts, and I was pleased that my initial assumption that I could build the model from just the one sprue was correct.

Having constructed the carnosaur model I fixed it temporarily to a base I had for painting.

I gave the model a white undercoat.

The next stage is decided what colour to paint the carnosaur.

Priming the Cathayan Grand Cannons

When I made a trip to Warhammer World in June 2025 I was pleased to see the then new models for the Army of Grand Cathay for Warhammer Old World on display. I really liked the Cathayan Sentinel especially the paint job which made it look like it was terracotta. I also saw a posting on the Warhammer Community site about where Lewis from the Warhammer Studio had painted some Jade Warriors as terracotta warriors. I started thinking about creating and painting a whole army in this style, so I bought a Cathayan Sentinel and the Grand Cathay Battalion.

I started constructing the Jade Warriors. After finishing some of those models I started on the Grand Cannon and the crew.

Cast in the likeness of roaring dragons, the Grand Cannons of Cathay unleash torrents of flame and iron upon the foe. Whether saturating a wide front or concentrating their explosive power into a single, devastating projectile for sieges, they remain a cornerstone of Cathayan might.

I constructed the cannon and the crew, including the mercenary ogre.

I have been thinking about how I will paint the Grand Cannon. The human crew will be terracotta like the Jade Warriors. I think I will also need to reflect on how to paint the Ogre Loaders, who are mercenaries. First thoughts are to paint them as terracotta too. As for the cannon itself, that I think will be more brass than clay. I think a cannon made out of terracotta would explode upon firing.

I landscaped the bases of the models with some Citadel Sand and slate pieces.

I did not fix the cannon to the base, so that both the base will be easier to paint as well as the underside of the cannon.

I then primed the crew models with Wraithbone spray.

For the cannon I used Leadbelcher and for the base Wraithbone.

Next stage will be the base coat for the crew, whilst the cannon will be painted with some brass.

Undercoating the Jade Lancers

I started thinking about creating and painting a whole army in this style, so I bought a Cathayan Sentinel and the Grand Cathay Battalion. I started constructing the Jade Warriors. After finishing some of those models I started on the Grand Cannon and the Jade Lancers.

I do think the construction of the Jade Lancers is quite complicated, the horses are made up of quite a few components. Most of the horses have only one hoof on the ground, something that you couldn’t do with metal models, but can with plastic.

I landscaped the base of the Jade Lancer with some Citadel Sand.

I then primed the model with Wraithbone spray.

Next stage will be the base coat.

Carnosaur

With the recent new release of Eldar Exodites (for Kill Team) it also got me thinking it could be ideal for an Exodite force as well. Unfortunately I missed out on the pre-order for the Kill Team Eldar Exodites as they appeared to sell out within five minutes everywhere. However my understanding is that the Eldar Exodite models will be available separately at a future date. They appear to be very popular, so maybe we might see more Eldar Exodite models in the future.

What I did check out though was that you can get away with buying only one spruce, the one with issue #20. That sprue allows you to build the Carnosaur model.

The second sprue provides the parts for the different riders and the parts needed for the Troglodon version of the kit. So, I picked up two issues of #20 as I only wanted the Carnosaur model.

Snotling Pump Wagon on the workbench

I did originally consider the new model a “monstrosity” but when making a recent order, I added one to my basket.

This is a metal model and in the box are numerous metal parts, a base, and instructions.

The first stage will be to clean the metal castings. I am going to fully construct the pump wagon, but the crew will be painted separately before adding them to the wagon.

Snotling Pump Wagon

The original Snotling Pump Wagon released back in the day is probably my favourite Citadel model of all time.

What I liked about it most was the humour behind the model, you got the idea that the designer was down the pub when the idea came up.

I did originally consider the new model a “monstrosity” but when making a recent order, I added one to my basket.

This is a metal model.

I wonder, what with the made to order goodies that we see, if we will see a re-release of the original version.

Tallarn Centaur Rapid Strike Vehicle

Games Workshop have just released the Centaur Rapid Strike Vehicle (for pre-order).

The Astra Militarum Centaur Rapid Strike Vehicle serves as a vital asset for commanders needing to rapidly deploy infantry across hazardous warzones. Engineered for speed and efficiency, this rugged transport ferries squads to the front lines with a degree of protection that outclasses standard unarmored options. Its design prioritizes tactical flexibility, featuring an open-topped configuration that allows embarked Guardsmen to unleash a hail of las-fire while still protected by the vehicle’s sturdy hull, ensuring they arrive at the objective ready to fight rather than pinned down by suppressive fire.

This armoured half-track for the Imperial Guard has echoes of the World War Two M3 had track.

I do like the Centaur Rapid Strike Vehicle I am thinking about getting one to create a Long Range Desert Group inspired raiding force for my Tallarn forces.

The Long Range Desert Group (or LRDG) was a reconnaissance and raiding unit of the British Army during the Second World War.

One inspiration for me as to be the Matchbox kit of the Long Range Desert Group released back in 1976 which included a Chevrolet 30cwt patrol truck and a Willys Jeep, both stripped down and heavily modified for desert warfare.

When the Centaur Rapid Strike Vehicle was originally announced as a pre-order I wrote about this.

I am not sure how easy it will be to strip down the Centaur Rapid Strike Vehicle, but in order to give it that Long Range Desert Group look I will be adding stowage, extra fuel cans, canvas sand mats, sand channels, and other equipment. The actual Chevrolet 30cwt patrol trucks of the LRDG often had their doors, windscreens and roofs removed. I will have to see how the model is constructed before deciding how to strip it down.

Now the model is available to pre-order the Warhammer site has pictures of the sprues.

It is clear to me from the sprues that it should be possible to strip down the model to make it look more like something inspired by the Long Range Desert Group.